French side Lille have joined the race for in-demand West Ham United midfielder Pedro Obiang, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
Di Marzio revealed the news on his official website, claiming that the second-place Ligue 1 side have registered their interest in the 6ft Spaniard [Source: Transfermarkt].
Italian outfit Fiorentina were said to be in pole position for the former Sampdoria man and had begun talks with the Hammers over his signing, however, those negotiations have now stalled.
Stefano Piolo’s team may have to up their offer for Obiang in the wake of the French side’s interest. Obiang has played 18 times for West Ham in all competitions this season.
Good move for West Ham?
Not really, in all honesty. Manuel Pellegrini’s team are extremely light on central midfielders at this moment in time, with only Mark Noble, Declan Rice and Obiang natural options at the position. For the club to be considering Obiang’s exit seems bizarre right now. The Spaniard hasn’t been hugely impressive this season but he’s a solid squad player who is a decent Premier League starter when required. With Carlos Sanchez out with a long term injury and Jack Wilshere a constant doubt, it seems crazy to countenance Obiang’s sale at the moment. Unless the Hammers have a replacement lined up this doesn’t seem like a deal worth doing.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10
Likely to happen?
Well talks with Fiorentina are obviously going nowhere fast so it all depends on Lille, and whether Obiang fancies a switch to France. He’s already played in Italy, of course, so a move back there with Fiorentina probably appeals to him, but whether he’s interested in Lille is anyone’s guess. At the moment you’d have to lean more towards this not happening than happening.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10